Hi again! I am Sydney Hess, from Nutley, New Jersey. I attended Sacred Heart University (SHU) and was pre-accepted into the 3+2 program, earning my Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and I am currently working toward my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT). As for my school involvement, in my undergraduate studies and my first year in the Master's program, I was honored to be part of the Division I Softball Team. Currently, I am a part of COTAD and SOTA at SHU. 

My desire to become an Occupational Therapist stemmed from my volunteer work at Intensive Therapeutics in West Caldwell, New Jersey, where I worked alongside an OT student and a licensed OT in an intensive, four-week summer camp to aid children with cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome in achieving a set of five goals they had set. I have always had a desire to help others, particularly children, and this experience allowed me to witness how OT empowers individuals to participate in meaningful activities and regain independence, which is precisely why I chose OT.

As an aspiring occupational therapist, I believe every individual deserves the opportunity to participate fully in the activities, roles, and routines that give life meaning. Through my education, volunteer and work experiences in the field, and interactions with diverse populations, I have developed a strong appreciation for how participation in everyday occupations affects overall health, well-being, and independence.

My mission is to provide care rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I aim to understand each person's individual strengths, challenges, and goals to support meaningful progress aligned with what matters most to them. By integrating evidence-based methods, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic self-use, I strive to help individuals build confidence, enhance function, and increase their engagement in daily activities that are most meaningful to them.

As I continue my journey toward becoming an occupational therapist, I am dedicated to ongoing learning, professional development, and advocating for fair access to services. I aim to be a practitioner who encourages inclusion, upholds dignity, and helps individuals achieve their fullest participation and satisfaction. Through compassionate and intentional practice, I aspire to create a meaningful and lasting positive impact on the lives of those I work with.